Enjoying the aroma of coffee: The science and appeal of aroma

The aroma of coffee comes from a complex combination of compounds found in the beans.
Coffee beans are said to contain over 800 different aromatic compounds .
These compounds are produced during the roasting process, and their balance determines the aroma of coffee.
The main components include esters, which have fruity and floral aromas, Maillard reaction products, which have aromas similar to nuts and chocolate, and phenols, which are produced during roasting.

In particular, it is the volatile chemicals produced by roasting that define the aroma of coffee.
These ingredients diffuse into the air, stimulating our sense of smell and providing a sense of relaxation and alertness .
When drinking coffee, enjoying its aroma first is an important step in deepening the flavor.

Of all our five senses, the sense of smell is said to be the one most closely linked to emotions and memories.
Scents directly stimulate the olfactory cortex of the brain, and that information is transmitted to the limbic system, which controls emotions.
This allows scents to evoke strong emotional responses – for example, it is not uncommon for the aroma of a particular coffee to evoke memories of past times and special moments.

It has also been scientifically proven that the aroma of coffee has a relaxing and focused effect.
While the caffeine in coffee has a stimulating effect, the aroma itself is said to have a mentally refreshing effect.
Studies have shown that the aroma of coffee can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, making you feel more relaxed.

To get the most out of your coffee's aroma, you need to brew it properly.
First of all, the timing of grinding coffee beans is important. The aroma components of coffee begin to evaporate the moment they are ground, so grinding the beans just before brewing is the key to preserving the aroma.
The way you grind your coffee also affects the taste and aroma of the coffee.
For example, a coarse grind is generally used for French press brewing, while a fine grind is generally used for espresso.
Choose the best grind size depending on your brewing method.

The temperature of the water used to brew the coffee also plays a role in bringing out the aroma.
If the water is too hot, the coffee will taste bitter and the aroma will be less pronounced. Generally, it is recommended to brew at a temperature of 90-96 degrees. This temperature range is ideal for properly extracting the coffee's aromatic compounds .

The right items are also important to enjoy the aroma of your coffee to the fullest.
For example, the shape of the coffee cup has an impact on the aroma. Using a wide-mouthed cup allows the aroma to spread more easily, allowing you to smell it more clearly.
You can also enjoy a richer aroma by gently swirling the cup and smelling it before drinking the coffee.

Additionally, how you store your coffee also affects its aroma.
Coffee beans are sensitive to air, moisture and light, and these elements can cause the aroma to deteriorate.
Storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place is the best way to preserve the aroma .